“I’d like to help people be they best they can be, regardless of their background, and if I can do some of that in the outdoors – then all the better!”

Having grown up in the countryside, Kate Philp thought she was aware of all of the career options available in the land-based sector. However, attending High Ground’s Rural Weeks Programme has opened up opportunities ‘full of exciting potential’ for Kate.

High Ground is a charity that helps Service Leavers, Reservists and Veterans to find jobs, careers and vocational opportunities in the land-based sector, such as Farming, Forestry, Conservation and Landscape-design.

Kate is still serving as a Major in the Army but is preparing for a new career in corporate leadership training, when she leaves this summer.

Kate says: “The Rural Week far exceeded my expectations. It gave a fantastic overview of all aspects of the land-based sector, opening my eyes to more possibilities than I had anticipated.”

She adds: “For example, I hadn’t given much thought to the use of animal therapy within the youth work I propose to do, but I think this could be a really powerful tool.”

For the past year, Kate has volunteered as a mentor for the charity ‘Youth Adventure Trust’, which helps instil confidence and valuable life skills in young people, through experiencing challenging, outdoor environments.

Inspiring people to fulfil their potential is an area Kate particularly cares about and she wants to use her skills within personal development and training, in both the corporate and youth sectors.

High Ground’s programme also led her to an introduction with someone who has a wealth of experience in the youth sector.

She says: “She’s given me lots of useful advice, as well as an opportunity to complete some important training with her – we have even had tentative discussions about possible joint projects.”

Kate plans to be self-employed, working as an associate delivering leadership training and coaching in the corporate environment, but also continuing her voluntary work in the youth sector. “Both come from a desire to help people to be the best they can be, regardless of their background, and if I can do at least some of that in the outdoors, then all the better!”

The next High Ground Rural Weeks Programme is on the 21st-26th June. For more information visit High Ground.